April is prime time for birding! In this experiential workshop at Huntley Meadows Park, the pace will be leisurely as we learn how to spot and identify birds.
ASNV is joining with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to co-sponsor their in-person education event to discuss the amazing story of bird migration, the importance of dark skies and what Lights Out really means.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Join a brief indoor presentation and planning meeting about birding and using eBird to predict what birds we can expect to observe.
Photo: Eastern Bluebird, Eric Nie/Audubon Photography Awards
Join us for a morning bird walk in Clarks Crossing Park! The walk will be flat on a mostly dirt path and will be about 2 miles. Newer and seasoned birders are welcome.
Your birding guide is Ron Grimes, a Virginia Master Naturalist, experienced bird walk leader, and member of the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia.
Meet in the parking lot where Clarks Crossing Road ends at the W&OD Trail. The nearest cross road is Batten Hollow Road.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration for this event is recommended but not required. If you register, you will receive an email notification if the walk needs to be canceled or postponed due to weather or trail conditions.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird, and the leader will share the eBird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Photo © Todd Kiraly
This bird walk is part of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation.
This afternoon bird walk is open for everyone, beginners and families are welcome. Trails in the park are flat and paved, accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Park in the lot behind Mom's Organic Market - access from Bruce Street. Meet us at the playground behind the basketball court.
Your birding guide is Andreas Seiter, an experienced local birder, member of the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Nothern Virginia, and member of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and Virginia Society of Ornithology.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration for this event is recommended but not required.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Join us for the Annual Migratory Bird Count at Occoquan Bay NWR.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Ethnobotany is the study of how people relate to and use plants in their lives, be it for food, medicine, tools, and many other ways. Learn about plant folklore and how people here used locally native and commonly available plants in the past. Alonso Abugattas will review the natural history of various plants, and provide some tips and references for finding out more about the various native plants.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
In this overview of bird anatomy, Dr. Kathleen Hunt (Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation) will explain how a bird's body is put together and how it all works.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Occoquan Bay NWR, Tina Dudley
This program is part of our Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the staff of Occoquan Bay NWR.
Join us for a family-friendly afternoon bird walk on the trails of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Your birding guide is Andreas Seiter, an experienced local birder, member of the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, member of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and Virginia Society of Ornithology.
Meet at the Visitor Information Center, not the Central Parking Lot.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is canceled.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998 to provide habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge's diverse grassland, marsh and forest habitats attract a variety songbirds, raptors and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting sites, and a place to rest.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo © Todd Kiraly
This bird walk is part of ASNV’s Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation.
Afternoon is a great time for a bird walk through Four Mile Run Park! To see what birds have been observed here previously, take a look at the Four Mile Run Park eBird hotspot page.
Newer birders as well as veteran birders are welcome to join this walk.
Carol Mullen, your birding guide , is a long-time birder and, thanks to the iNaturalist app, is learning to ID plants, insects and fungi, too. Her favorite bird in the American Dipper, or Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, or maybe the Belted Kingfisher.
Trails in the park are flat, paved, and accessible.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration for this event is recommended but not required. If you register, you will receive an email notification if the walk needs to be canceled or postponed due to weather or trail conditions.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird, and the leader will share the eBird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Ring-necked Duck, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, John Steller/Audubon Photography Awards
This program is part of our Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the staff of Occoquan Bay NWR.
Join us for a morning bird walk on the trails of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Newer and seasoned birders welcome.
Your birding guide is Larry Meade, President of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and a member of the ASNV Adult Education Committee.
Meet at the Visitor Information Center, NOT the Central Parking Lot.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
This walk is FREE, but registration is required.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998 to provide habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge's diverse grassland, marsh and forest habitats attract a variety songbirds, raptors and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting sites, and a place to rest.
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia will hold its Annual Meeting at 2:30 PM on June 2, 2024 at the National Wildlife Federation building, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: White-breasted Nuthatch, Doug Dearinger/Audubon Photography Awards
This program is part of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with Upton Hill Regional Park.
When you arrive at the park, turn left into the parking lot and meet on the grass next to the bird feeder at the very end of the parking lot.
Trails in the woods are not paved and run up and down a gentle hillside, with some steps along the path.
Your birding guide is Ron Grimes, a Virginia Master Naturalist, experienced bird walk leader, and member of the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia.
Newer and seasoned birders welcome.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is canceled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the eBird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Belted Kingfisher, Bob Feldman/Audubon Photography Awards
This bird walk is part of ASNV’s Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation.
Morning is a great time for a bird walk through Four Mile Run Park! To see what birds have been observed here previously, take a look at the Four Mile Run Park eBird hotspot page.
Newer birders as well as veteran birders are welcome to join this walk.
Carol Mullen, your birding guide, is a long-time birder and, thanks to the iNaturalist app, is learning to ID plants, insects and fungi, too. Her favorite bird in the American Dipper, or Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, or maybe the Belted Kingfisher.
Trails in the park are flat, paved, and accessible.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration for this event is recommended but not required. If you register, you will receive an email notification if the walk needs to be canceled or postponed due to weather or trail conditions.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird, and the leader will share the eBird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Eastern Towhee, Larry Meade
Join us for a summer morning walk around Bright Pond! We will bird in a field by the dam, in woodland, and around the pond. To see what has been observed here previously, take a look at the Bright Pond eBird hotspot page.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels--beginners are very welcome. Your birding guide is experienced local birder Robin Duska, who also leads walks for Reston Association. Robin helps lead the weekly Sunday walk at Great Falls National Park and conducts Friday morning walks at Riverbend from spring to autumn; as a volunteer, she also helps scientists manage the Bird Division's collection at the National Museum of Natural History.
Meet at the cul-de-sac shown on the right side of the photo below--it's at the end of Bright Pond Lane, which is off Reston Parkway.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is canceled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the eBird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of South Africa, home to amazing scenery, iconic African wildlife, and more than 800 bird species.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Love native plants and wildlife? You won’t want to miss this presentation, “Creating a Wildlife Sanctuary,” by Betsy Martin and Barbara Tuset, Co-Directors of ASNV’s Wildlife Sanctuary program.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Did you know you don’t even need binoculars to explore the big world of birds? Often it is faster and easier to identify a bird by its song – if you know how to bird by ear.
Join this USFWS-sponsored Earth Day cleanup at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo: Hooded Merganser, Kathy Baca/Audubon Photography Awards
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Mason Neck State Park are pleased to offer an April bird walk in Mason Neck State Park! This bird walk will be a loop of the Bayview Trail. This easy, 1 mi path is packed dirt and mostly flat with some stairs near the wetlands and beach.
We will meet up across from the children's playground. Follow signs for the Visitor's Center, then bear left when you see the brightly colored playground.
Newer and seasoned birders welcome.
Please note a parking fee ($10) or annual pass is required to enter the park.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is cancelled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
On Saturday, April 20, help us remove invasive garlic mustard from a meadow in the refuge. We will partner with Refuge staff, Audubon volunteers and neighbors to make more space in the meadow for native grasses that birds love!
Photo: Osprey, Jean Hall/Audubon Photography Awards
This program is part of our Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the staff of Occoquan Bay NWR.
Join us for a morning bird walk on the trails of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Your birding guide is Evan Pannkuk, an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University who specializes in wildlife diseases and is also an avid birder
Meet at the Visitor Information Center.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration is FREE but required.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998 to provide habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge's diverse grassland, marsh and forest habitats attract a variety songbirds, raptors and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting sites, and a place to rest.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Professor Jones will present an overview of the major aquatic ecosystems in northern Virginia: the tidal Potomac River, lakes (large and small), and streams (larger and small) and their current status and prospects for improvement.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Spring warblers are some of the most exciting birds to see, but can be difficult to locate, observe and identify for newer (and even experienced) birders. Join us for a talk on the art of ‘warblering:’ you will learn where and when to look, which warblers you are likely to see and their distinctive field marks and behavior to help you find these elusive birds.
Join us on Sunday afternoon for our quarterly live Audubon Afternoon at the National Wildlife Federation Building in Reston for a program on the birds of Colombia.
Photo: Hooded Merganser, Kathy Baca/Audubon Photography Awards
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Mason Neck State Park are pleased to offer a March bird walk in Mason Neck State Park!
We will meet on the grass near the playground. When you arrive at the park, drive towards the visitor center, and then follow signs for the picnic area (if you’re right next to the visitor center, you’ve gone too far).
Trails in the woods are not paved and run up and down the hillside. There are occasionally roots and downed trees along the path, plus short steep grades, a number of which have built-in stairs into the terrain.
Your birding guide is John Colpoys, an avid birder and experienced bird walk leader.
Please note a parking fee ($10) or annual pass is required to enter the park.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is cancelled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Visit the Occoquan Bay NWR visitor center for a free talk with a local naturalist, Margaret Fisher, who will talk about the City Nature Challenge.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Nature is all around us. Join this workshop to learn how to capture beautiful photographs of butterflies and moths.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Come join us and celebrate the return of Spring! All are welcome to join us for light refreshments at the beautiful Potomac Overlook Regional Park as we meet some live animal guests.
Photo © Todd Kiraly
This bird walk is part of the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation.
Morning is a great time for a bird walk through Four Mile Run Park - newer birders as well as veteran birders are welcome to join!
We will begin at the Commonwealth Avenue parking lot (between the two baseball fields) on the east side of the park as it is a good place to start the morning scouting for potential rarities on the ballfields. We will then proceed and do a circular loop (almost exactly a half mile) around the main marsh area (unfortunately, we will have to backtrack our route back to the cars as they most likely will still be doing repairs on the one bridge). Expect to walk about 1 mile on paved paths (boots not necessary) for this walk. The expected time is about 1 hour.
Optional Extension: As we backtrack, you will have an opportunity to continue the walk westward down to the other main parking lot on Mount Vernon Avenue (which adds about another .5 mile and 1 hour to the walk). The expected total for the longer walk is 1.5 miles and 2 hours as we stop along various spots.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Your birding guide is Todd Kiraly. Todd has extensive experience birding in the local hotspots in and around the Potomac River in NOVA. Todd is also a photographer; visit his collection of local wildlife photography posted on his site, k
Four Mile Run, with its close proximity to the Potomac River and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, offers a great variety of bird habitat (streams/marsh/meadow patches/grass athletic fields/low tide mudflats) within an urban environment. Another feature is the ability to scan a large area of sky without obstruction for flyover rarities. In the last 2 years, during the first week of April, some of the species of birds found and photographed are Eastern Meadowlark, Black-crowned Night Heron, Palm Warbler, Purple Finch, Vesper Sparrow (also Fox, Field, Chipping, and Savannah), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Rusty Blackbird, Greater Yellowlegs and early arrivals of Osprey and Green Herons to name a few.
The walk will be entirely conducted from paved paths but for those interested, we may take a walk out on a grass t-ball field if there is a rare find to draw us in (but still within binocular distance for anyone choosing to stay on the paved path).
You will learn many details on bird habitat, whether the birds are there or not, as educational pointers to take away for future consideration when birding
Todd, your leader, is an outdoor photographer and will share pointers for beginners to more advanced and would welcome any tips from others.
It should be noted, that “bad” weather can bring in the most unexpected results when it comes to birding. We will hope for the best, but a threat of rain or light drizzle could yield good results as the birds may be forced down from their travels into the park.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is cancelled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: https://ebird.org/home
Four Mile Park is close proximity to multiple quick food vendors (Subway/McDonald’s/Popeye’s) as well as quick access to places like Del Ray or Potomac Yards for additional meal choices if desired.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Nature journaling is a terrific tool for understanding the world around you: species, habitats, and all of their rich interconnections. Join Robin Lee Carlson for a discussion of the ways that field sketching has been an integral part of her explorations of the natural world.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Rebecca Heisman will share some surprising stories from the history of bird migration research and discuss why understanding migration is so crucial for bird conservation.
Photo: White-throated Sparrow, Dawn Phillips/Audubon Photography Awards
Frying Pan Farm Park is a Fairfax County park that is mainly geared toward recreation, featuring a model farm and equestrian facilities, and hosting seasonal concerts and festivals. But it also boasts open fields, wetlands, mixed woods, a stream, and a nature trail winding through all these different habitats. The nature trail passes through mixed woods in the north and northwest sections of the park, and meanders by a stream (Frying Pan Branch of Horsepen Run); it is good for woodland birds. The wetland and ponds at the northeast corner (adjacent to Monroe Street) are good for herons, waterfowl and marsh birds. In the southeast and central parts of the park, the farmland and open fields are good for raptors, as well as sparrows and other seed-loving birds.
Your birding guide is Mer Mietzelfeld, an avid birdwatcher since 2008. She held several ornithology field positions in California, South Carolina, Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean before entering the nonprofit space in 2017. Her career is focused on protecting the environment and the birds she loves.
Newer and seasoned birders welcome.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
This walk is also advertised to our Nextgen Birders for Conservation group targeting birders under 45.
From Fairfax County Parkway (Rte 286), go west on West Ox Road (Rte. 608) to the Visitor Center Parking lot at 2739 West Ox Rd.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is cancelled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Photo: Ring-necked Duck, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, John Steller/Audubon Photography Awards
This program is part of our Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the staff of Occoquan Bay NWR.
Join us for a morning bird walk on the trails of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Newer and seasoned birders welcome.
Your birding guides are Larry Meade, President of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and a member of the ASNV Adult Education Committee, and Todd Kiraly, a birder with extensive experience in the local hotspots in and around the Potomac River in NOVA.
Meet at the Visitor Information Center.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
This walk is FREE, but registration is required.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998 to provide habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge's diverse grassland, marsh and forest habitats attract a variety songbirds, raptors and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting sites, and a place to rest.
Need a new hobby? Try 'birding!’ Bird watching is a great way to get outside and be more connected to the nature all around us. Join us for an introduction to birding and learn the basics to get you started.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
I was hoping that the rain would hold off, but it looks like we will have a very wet day. I am not canceling the walk, but if you decide to come please bring appropriate footwear (rain boots and raincoat)! The field is marshy in spots even on a dry day. Anticipate an abbreviated walk that may end early if the weather worsens.
Photo: American Tree Sparrow, Dori Eldridge/Audubon Photography Awards
Join us on a walk exploring a grassland undergoing ecological restoration. We will learn about the history and management of grasslands in the region, focusing on invasive species removal, logging, and prescribed fire.
Half of this meadow was burned in early January. We will explore the diversity of species attracted to this regrowing habitat. The highlight at this park is a winter sparrow showcase, featuring Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Eastern Towhee. Keep an eye out for American Tree Sparrow or Fox Sparrow. The neighboring Elklick Preserve also hosts a reliable population of Red-headed Woodpeckers.
Conditions: 1.5-2 miles on uneven terrain in mowed/brush-hogged grass trails with occasional mud. Wear waterproof hiking boots or wellingtons. No onsite facilities.
Location: Sully Woodlands Park. Meet at the park gate along Pleasant Valley Road (38.876964, -77.491723). Park on the road shoulder without blocking the gate.
For more information, visit:
https://birdingvirginia.org/fairfax/hotspots/sully-woodlands
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L552673
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is cancelled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Photo: Bald Eagle, Stephanie Orlando/Audubon Photography Awards
The Audubon Society of Northern Virgina and Mason Neck State Park are pleased to offer a bird walk in Mason Neck State Park!
This bird walk is organized in partnership with Team Red, White and Blue, beginners and families are welcome. We will meet at the parking lot in the picnic area of Mason Neck State Park (follow the park road to the visitor center but turn left before you reach the center). We will look for birds near the visitor center, the Belmont Bay overlook and in the adjacent forest. Trails are flat, we will walk less than a mile.
Your birding guides are Andreas Seiter, member of the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Nothern Virginia, and Jeff Tessein, an experienced bird walk leader for ASNV and Reston Association.
Meet by the Visitor's Center.
Please note a parking fee ($10) or annual pass is required to enter the park.
If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.
Registration is recommended but not required. Registrants will get a reminder about the walk and will be notified via email if the walk is cancelled.
We will be documenting the birds we see in eBird and the leader will share the ebird list with you after the walk. If you don't already have an eBird account, you can sign up for a free one here: ebird.org/home.
